JEMB vs SPY
Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JEMB | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $476M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.95% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 343 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +3.17% | +12.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.89% | +20.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Janus Henderson Investors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
JEMB vs SPY Performance
Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Debt Hard Currency ETF (JEMB) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year JEMB returned +7.89% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, JEMB is up 3.17% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.6% for JEMB. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.4% for JEMB and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JEMB charges 0.52% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $9 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JEMB currently yields 6.95% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
JEMB and SPY share 0 holdings out of 600 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JEMB or SPY?
JEMB has an expense ratio of 0.52% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JEMB or SPY?
Over the past year JEMB returned +7.89% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), JEMB annualized +9.42% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JEMB or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.6% for JEMB. Worst drawdown: JEMB -5.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both JEMB and SPY?
JEMB and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JEMB and SPY?
JEMB and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 600 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JEMB or SPY?
JEMB yields 6.95% while SPY yields 1.01%, so JEMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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